Kids can learn about health and safety at an event Saturday co-sponsored by Greenwood Leflore Hospital and Junior Auxiliary of Greenwood.
The fourth annual Children’s Health and Safety Fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. between the hospital and its wellness center. Admission is free.
“Each year we try to make it bigger and better,” said Kerri Grossman, child life coordinator for the hospital. “We encourage everyone to come out this year.”
More than 20 state and local organizations are expected to participate including the Army Corps of Engineers on water safety and Reject All Tobacco (RAT). David Layton, DUI officer with the Greenwood Police Department, will give a presentation on car seat safety. Children will also be able to interact with several emergency response vehicles.
“Parents can come in, learn with their kids and put what they learn into practice immediately,” Grossman said.
The big event at this year’s fair will be the bike rodeo, sponsored by the Mississippi Department of Health.
The Junior Auxiliary donated six bicycles for demonstrations about bike safety. An obstacle course will be set up in the parking lot for children to practice.
Every child who participates will receive a free bike helmet (while supplies last) and will be fitted for one by a Junior Auxiliary member. Those who ride in the rodeo will also be entered into a drawing to win one of the six bikes. All six bicycles will be given away.
Other activities will include face painting and inflatables.
Although there is no age limit for the fair, Grossman said many of these presentations and activities will cater to preschool and elementary school children.
Christine Hemphill, the hospital’s foundation director and physician liaison, said she hopes parents will visit the booths and take time to learn about safety.
Last year about 60 to 70 people attended the fair, but Grossman said she tells her presenters to expect up to 100.
Greenwood Leflore Hospital and the Junior Auxiliary of Greenwood have worked as partners since 1996, Grossman said.
Ashlea Galey, the co-coordinator of pediatric events for the Junior Auxiliary of Greenwood, said the organization is dedicated to serving children in Leflore County.
The collaboration was a natural fit, and the health and safety fair was opportunity to do something new and exciting, Grossman said.
“We start planning for the next one as soon as we finish the current fair,” Grossman said.
•Contact Lauren Randall at 581-7239 or lrandall@gwcommonwealth.com.
